Wednesday, August 31, 2016

FCC event on ‘technology transition’ open to public

Consumer Action has learned that the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau will host a "Technology Transitions" information session on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 from 1-2 p.m. at the FCC headquarters at 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC. The event, in the commission meeting room on the first floor, will be open to the public.

As readers of New Phone Network know, providers around the country are upgrading the technology that delivers telecommunications services to homes. Existing copper-based networks, originally built for voice-only services, are being replaced with alternative platforms capable of providing a variety of services such as higher-speed broadband, video, voice, and interactive features. At the upcoming public event, FCC subject matter experts will share information about how technology transition is impacting consumers, including but not limited to, service implications, backup power issues and accessibility concerns.

The FCC tells us that an RSVP is not necessary but it would be helpful for planning purposes if people who want to go would send an email to [email protected] by Sept. 23. To get in, you must have your current, government-issued photo ID. The session will be streamed online the day of the event. Click here to view. Online participants can submit questions by e-mailing [email protected].

Open captioning will be provided at the event and the FCC will make other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] or by calling the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY). The FCC asks that you include a detailed description of the accommodation needed and allow at least five days’ advance notice. (It says last minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to accommodate.)